Strato rolls out HiDrive 100GB and 250GB cloud storage bundles

Web hosting firm Strato has increased the number of packages available for its HiDrive cloud-based storage system, as it looks to continue attracting customers to its secure and accessible online repository.

Online storage is now available in three packages ranging from 100GB to 500GB in size, with Strato also offering a 30 day free trial and cut-priced subscriptions for a limited time.

The 100GB package is available for £4 per month. Users requiring 250GB of storage will pay £14 per month and this rises to £24 per month for a maximum 500GB of storage.

After the offer expires, packages will revert to original pricing of £9, £19 and £29 per month, respectively.

All of the storage bundles include unlimited uploads and downloads, one administrator account, and support the Windows, Mac and Linux platforms.

Business users who need to regularly back-up data can now order the Paragon Backup and Recovery Suite 10 for free also. Strato does charge £6.90 for shipping of the product, however.

The HiDrive Android App is available for free and allows users to access content from any device using the Google platform, said the firm.

HiDrive has been designed to store and share any type of data including pictures, music and documents, Strato said.

Key benefits of the online HiDrive storage system for business users include the ability to access content using any connected device, including laptops, smartphones and tablets. It is also possible to mount HiDrive as a network drive on a local computer and treat it as a physical HDD.

All user information is stored in Strato's datacentres in Germany, where there are stringent data protection laws, the firm noted. Users can also choose the type of encryption that is used when connecting to the online repository.

Strato also allows non-subscribing users to deposit content within HiDrive either by logging into the browser or via email.

We have had a lot of interest in HiDrive from both consumers and small businesses, Rene Wienholtz, chief technology officer at Strato told V3.co.uk.

"The 100GB package has been one of our most popular packages and we have made it available in the UK together with the 250GB option as a result of customer feedback," he said.

"For firms that need more than 500GB of storage we will also be introducing the HiDrive Pro service in the UK."

Strato HiDrive was the recipient of the coveted five-star award from V3.co.uk when it was reviewed in December.